What is the best treatment for gallstones?

The most effective treatment for gallstones usually involves surgical removal of the gallbladder, especially if the stones are causing pain or leading to complications. After surgery to remove the gallbladder, people usually do not develop gallstones again because they do not have a gallbladder to store bile.

Gallstones are the formation of solid particles in the gallbladder, mainly composed of cholesterol or bile pigments. Generally speaking, stones may form when the chemical composition of bile becomes unbalanced, with too much cholesterol or too little bile acid, causing the gallbladder to not empty properly and forming stones.

For small, asymptomatic gallstones that do not cause any health problems, watchful waiting, known as "asymptomatic management," may be an option. In certain cases, taking oral bile acid medications may help dissolve gallstones. However, this approach requires long-term treatment and there is a risk that the stones will re-form. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is another non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to break larger stones into smaller particles, but the effectiveness varies from person to person.

To reduce the risk and symptoms of gallstones, dietary modification is an important preventive measure. Foods high in cholesterol, fat, and sugar should be minimized, and more dietary fiber, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, should be consumed, which helps maintain the normal flow of bile and reduce the formation of cholesterol. If you feel any symptoms such as persistent pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice, you should seek medical attention in time for professional diagnosis and treatment advice. Further physical examinations can help determine the best treatment plan to protect your health and avoid potential complications.